5 unmissable food experiences on Australia’s East Coast

Australia’s east coast is almost 18,000km, all the way from Sydney in the south to Port Douglas in the tropical north. With fierce shores, abundant rainforests, hip cities and the Great Barrier Reef, it’s no wonder that this stretch of coastline has some of the greatest food experiences on the planet. From decadent oysters and endless dim sum in New South Wales. To indigenous dinners and tantalising steak from the ‘beef capital of Australia’, these are 5 unmissable food experiences on Australia’s East Coast that you can experience with GrownUps Holidays travel partner Trafalgar.

1. Taste oysters in Tathra 

On the southern coast of New South Wales is a seaside town called Tathra. This small town has been put on the world’s food map. It’s all thanks to one family, the Rodelys. The Rodely family have been cultivating their Sydney Rock Oysters in the pristine waters of Nelson Lake, in Mimosa Rocks National Park, since 1988. They are the only growers in the area. And have won more than 180 awards for the excellence of their oysters. At Otto Ristorante in Woolloomooloo, NSW, one of the family’s Sydney Rock Oysters will set you back a steep $8 – tempted?

INTERESTED IN TRAVEL? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.

2. Experience the best Australian BBQ food at Gold Creek Station

On the first day of GrownUps Holidays travel partner Trafalgar’s,  Tastes of Southern Australia tour, you’ll experience an exclusive Be My Guest Australian BBQ lunch. After discovering the modern Australian capital of Canberra, you’ll head south and ‘Connect With Locals’ at Gold Creek Station. 

Gold Creek Station is a 400ha farm, just 20 minutes from the Central Business District of Canberra. The family owned and operated farm has been welcoming guests for over 30 years. You’ll join owner Craig Starr and gain a greater understanding of life on his farm as you enjoy the flavours of a traditional Aussie BBQ.

INTERESTED IN TRAVEL? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.

3. Feast on yum cha in Sydney’s Chinatown

Exploring the fragrant noodle bars and hustling food halls of Sydney’s Chinatown is a must do on any trip to Australia’s east coast. You’ll find Chinatown in the southern part of the Sydney Central Business District and it’s even more lively than most. 

During the Gold Rush years of the 1850s Chinese immigrants settled in Australia, bringing with them bold flavours, sensational new cooking techniques and thousand-year-old cultural festivities. 

Near Market City lies Marigold, a Chinese restaurant that specifies in Cantonese cuisine. This place is a cultural institution with the best yum cha in Sydney. Yum cha is a wonderful meal of dim sum and washed down with hot tea. You’ll find all your favourites, like crispy spring rolls, shrimp dumplings and even chicken feet (well, it’s somebody’s favourite!). 

On day 10 of GrownUps Holidays travel partner Trafalgar’s Australian Highlights tour, you’ll fly south to Sydney where you’ll have the whole afternoon to wine and dine around the city.

INTERESTED IN TRAVEL? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.

4. Head out for brekkie in Brisbane

Brisbane is an up-and-coming foodie city on Australia’s east coast. With acclaimed chef Damian Griffiths stirring things up in the “sunshine state”, coupled with a big increase in people relocating to this region, Brisbane is fast turning into Australia’s most thrilling foodie destination. 

For the most excellent brunch in town, head to Jak + Hill in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. This little cafe is a haven of relaxation and delectable breakfast food nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With ever-changing daily specials, a mouth-watering breakfast burger and tasty chorizo sweet potato cakes, this cafe is helping put Brisbane on Australia’s foodie map.

INTERESTED IN TRAVEL? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.

5. Sizzle your steak in Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a small town in Queensland, it may be little, but it makes a big claim. Enter: ‘the beef capital of Australia’, Rockhampton (or “Rocky” to its mates). Home to over 2.5 million cattle within a 250km radius, the enormous cattle farms mean the town serves up some world-class steaks. 

Head to the Ascot Stonegrill for a distinctive dining experience. All of the meat at this restaurant is cooked on a hot (very hot) stone grill, which is one of the healthiest methods of cooking. The stonegrill guarantees the juices are locked in, meaning you’ll enjoy the meat’s full flavour. This method of cooking has been adopted across hundreds of restaurants worldwide thanks to little ol’ Rockhampton. 

For more information on Trafalgar’s foodie excursions and dining adventures contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com. 

Wow, how delicious do they sound? Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.